Here's what Rio locals really think about hosting the Olympics

Pilar Olivares/Reuters From polluted waters to an "uninhabitable" Olympic village, many athletes aren't thrilled about the upcoming Olympic Games taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When asked by Reuters to reflect on the Olympics coming to their hometown, Rio locals, known as "Cariocas," had similarly mixed feelings.

Some are optimistic about the boost in tourism and the chance to bolster their image; some dismiss the Olympics as a waste of resources; most worry about safety on the streets. However, all of them hope that the games will leave the city in better condition than when they arrived.

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"We are going through so many difficult times that the Olympics will bring a moment of joy and fraternization in this city that is the most beautiful in the world," said Jorge Salomao, a 70-year-old poet.

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"For me the Olympics are synonymous with arbitrary, because many people have been evicted from their houses for the construction of the Olympic Parks," said Aline Santos, a 23-year-old student. "I am totally against the Olympics."

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"Those in a position to rent out rooms in their houses can earn extra income, as well as those who work in the tourism industry," student and acrobat Guilherme Barbosa said. "But most people are abandoned in precarious health and education services."

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"I spend almost the whole day driving and it's evident that traffic has improved," said taxi driver Abner Lelis, though he worries about colleagues taking advantage of tourists by hiking up fees.

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"I can't afford tickets to the Olympics because they are too expensive," 27-year-old construction worker Dennis Claudinho said, though he is also optimistic about the improvements to Rio's infrastructure that the Olympics will bring.

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Andre Barros, a 44-year-old street cleaner, also can't afford tickets to the Olympics. "I need to work," he said.

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Pedro Grapiuna, a metalwork sculptor, is concerned about violence and poor infrastructure, but said, "It is a good thing that lot of people will come from abroad to experience the good side of the city."

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"The city is in crisis and there is no opportunity for anyone. The government should take more care of the population before spending money on an event like this," said Jose de Jesus Damaceno, a 75-year-old fisherman.

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Danielle Bhering, a 32-year-old nurse, said "I'm unhappy with the Olympics at a time when the country is living with violence. I don't want to leave my home during the games."

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"Rio de Janeiro will not change after this event," said Antonio Mariano de Azevedo, a 25-year-old political advisor. "For the government, the Olympic infrastructure has been more important than investing in improved services for the population... I am against the Olympics, the city is in crisis."

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Manfred Kulitc, a 49-year-old mathematician, said "The real problems of the population have not been resolved." He is also concerned for the safety of tourists.

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"We don't need the Olympics, we need more schools and hospitals," said Jeymerson Pereira, a 25-year-old butcher.

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"I am not a person who identifies with sports, but it will be good because it has given people work by generating jobs mostly in the tourism sector," said Ducinea Rancheiro, a 48-year-old street vendor.

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"The Olympics will bring many tourists looking for fun and entertainment," said bar owner Diogenes Paixao. "I am only concerned about security on the streets."

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"I am glad about the Olympics and I think the problems of the country, such as corruption and violence, will go unnoticed during the event," said Maria Callou, a 35-year-old fashion designer. "We are hospitable people, and we know how to bring joy and happiness to tourists."